Transfer Option:

Riding starts with an afternoon session on Day 1 and ends with a morning session of the last day. Any other schedule needs to be confirmed in advance. .... 3 day clinic with mounted and un-mounted lessons, video taping, all meals except one dinner.

Clinic Options:

• Trot work on the lunge line
  • Rider works on the sitting trot without stirrups
  • Rider works on the sitting trot without reins
  • Rider learns exercises that will create coordination of their seat, hands, and legs
• Canter work on the lunge line – finding the riders balance at canter with or without stirrups
• Vertical alignment
• Lateral alignment
• Jumping alignment

Un-mounted lessons use written materials and videotapes to support riding lessons on the above subjects.

More development of the riders Seat, Hands and Leg Aids:
After riders have found their balance in rising and sitting trot, the emphasis in training should be to teach the rider the proper steering techniques that will result in better balance for the horse. Lack of proper techniques result in horses that actually loose their balance in tighter corners because they are too straight through their body for the turns, falling in and out of turns and circles by riders that over or under-steer their horses.  Topics and exercises include:

Un-mounted lessons use written materials and videotapes to give visual back up for the explanation of the aiding systems and the exercises that support them.

Flatwork for Hunters and Jumpers:
We are finding that our hunter type riders are not getting enough detail in their lessons at home to give them the control over their horses that they really desire. It is an easy fix just by giving the riders more tools to ride with. By the time you finish this clinic, you should have many more exercises you can do with your horses at home to make them more flexible and easier to ride. The proof will be in the jumping.  Topics and exercises include:

• A. Riding Lessons -
  1. Exercises that allow you to practice the aiding systems making you are more efficient with your aids.
  2. Exercises that teach you how to make the horse more flexible and efficient with his body.
  3. Gymnastic jumping exercises that integrate the principals of both flatwork and jumping exercises.
   
• B. Un-mounted lessons -
  1. Introduction to what flatwork really is and what the results should be for the jumping horse.
  2. Study of the aiding systems with written materials and videotapes to back up the riding lessons.
   

Jumping Clinic
The jumping clinic is designed to give riders a better understanding of how to keep their own balance while approaching and jumping fences, as well as, learning how to help the horse keep his balance. It is important to study the jumping position and understand the cause and effect of what can happen if you don't keep your body in a correct posture over fences. It is equally important to help the horse's posture for staying straight and connected to the rider's aids. By covering the subjects listed below a two or three day clinic can yield extremely good results. There is great magic in the un-mounted lessons followed by riding again. It makes the subject matter easier to assimilate. Below are subjects that we cover in a jumping clinic.

• Developing the technique for proper upper body control through the establishment of a strong base of support (i.e. work without stirrups, longing lessons, proper leg position).
• Confidence building through simple courses, low gymnastics and easy cross country excursions.
• Introduction to foxhunting. Terminology, dress, protocol, group trail rides with a local hunt during spring and summer. Cartopping, hilltopping or first flight with a local hunt, depending on ability, during fall and winter.
• How to ride a course. The basics of jumping a course, finding distances, counting strides, the elements of a flying lead change.
• How dressage can improve your jumping. Teaching forward movement, straightness and balance on the flat will improve form over fences.
• Connecting your horse from the hind legs, through the back to bit will prevent most of resistance problems that horses have with jumping. Learning how to do that will take you to a whole new level of riding.
• Unmounted sessions on Rules for Hunters, Jumpers, Eventers and Foxhunters. Proper tack and dress for formal and informal events. Braiding manes and tails. Horse4 management, anatomy, vet care. Conditioning for an event.

Dressage Clinics

Training Level:
This clinic is designed to make sure that the first part of your basic training is well understood, you are communicating with your horse with a proper seat and that you understand the principals involved in walk, trot and canter.  Topics and exercises include:

• A. Un-mounted lessons – Written materials and videotapes to support all of the exercises used to prepare a finished training level horse for pleasure or show.
• Riding lessons- how to get an 8 on these movements:
  • The 20 meter circle and various circle exercises
  • The free walk on the long rein
  • All appropriate serpentines
  • The changes of direction
  • Canter exercises
  • Ride a training level test

First Level:
This clinic is designed to further your training in the horse’s basic training. At first level we make a higher demand on the horse’s balance than we did at training level. We must teach him more about flexion in the poll and jaw; he has to be a more flexible horse to show first level, or go on to second level. Our solid first level horse should have finished up with his basic training by the time we start second level.  Topics and exercises include:

• Un-mounted lessons – Written materials and videotapes to support all of the first level exercises.
• Riding lessons
  • All circle exercises, 15 and 10 meter
  • Introduction to leg yield and all leg yield exercises
  • Introduction to lengthen stride in trot
  • All changes of direction
  • Canter
  • Serpentines
  • Ride a second level test

Second Level:
After the horse’s basic training is underway, we can begin his real strength training and flexibility training. The second level work creates the groundwork necessary for the more demanding collection and extension exercises of the third level. It is the first time the horse is required to learn how to do collected and medium trot. He needs the exercises of the second level to help support those new demands.  Topics and exercises include:

• Un-mounted lessons - Written materials and videotapes to support all of the second level exercises.
• Riding lessons
  • All circle exercises, 10 meter
  • Canter and counter-canter
  • Shoulder-in and traverse
  • Medium trot
  • Collection
  • Simple change of lead
  • Ride a second level test

Subject to change

Generally speaking, Virginia enjoys pleasantly hot summers and relatively mild but crisp winters, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Average coastal temperatures in July and August rarely exceed 90°F (32°C), while in winter there is often snow. The mountainous areas in the west of the region provide welcome respite from the higher temperatures of summer.

A mild to humid coastal climate is characteristic of Virginia. Average July temperature: 75 degrees F (24 C). Average January temperature: 36 degrees F (2 C). Average yearly precipitation: 43 inches (109 cm).

Non-Smoking:
It is important for guests to understand that the B&B offers a smoke free environment, so there is no smoking in the house, barn, deck, or porch areas. We welcome people who smoke as long as they are comfortable with this policy. A designated smoking area will be provided.

The Gardens
The gardens will develop as the seasons unfold. Each season will be another step in developing the total picture for the Farm gardens. A beautiful flower lined path will lead you to the barn for you morning or afternoon ride. There will be benches and gliders to sit in while you enjoy your stroll through the beautiful flowers. Nature abounds in this part of Virginia and we want you to enjoy it too! 

Dining in the beautiful Virginia countryside is available at a variety of fine restaurants within fifteen minutes of the farm. All of the restaurants offer wonderful atmosphere, but understand their clientele's desire for casual attire. The result is great food without having to "dress up" for dinner. In Warrenton and Culpeper, family style restaurants offer modestly priced entrees. Guests may also visit the local grocery store and bring back food to prepare dinners on the grill.

This partial list includes our favorites.

• Thornton River Grille
  The Thornton River Grille is just across the street from Hopkins Ordinary. The menu is creative and changes frequently. The grill specializes in steaks, but also offers seafood, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. Reservations strongly suggested.
• Inn at Little Washington
  The Inn at Little Washington, six miles away, is widely recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the world.  Executive chef and co-proprietor Patrick O’Connell has won the James Beard “Chef of the Year” Award and is considered one of America’s most innovative chefs.  Make your reservations well in advance.
• Four and Twenty Blackbirds
  Located in Flint Hill, about 15 miles away, the 4 & 20 is widely recognized as one of Rappahannock’s fine restaurants. Reservations recommended.
• Griffin Tavern
  An English-style pub with a good selection of draft beers and pub food in a beautifully renovated home in nearby Flint Hill.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Minimum riding Level: Lesson: All Hack: B+

Level Rating: 1

Riding starts with an afternoon session on Day 1 and ends with a morning session of the last day. Any other schedule needs to be confirmed in advance.

Head instructor:
Deborah Renfroe was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon graduating from high school, Debbie attended Meredith manner School of Horsemanship in West Virginia. Originally entering school as a western major, it was the experience of Meredith manner that opened up the world of dressage for Debbie. Before settling on a career in dressage, Debbie gained experience showing and training horses in western riding and reining, hunter-jumper, and low levels of eventing.
The driving force in Debbie's equestrian career has always been to be an excellent instructor and a sympathetic and knowledgeable trainer. Meredith Manor gave her a good foundation in stable management, teaching and training. The last thirty years have been totally dedicated to continuing her education in order to fulfill that goal.
Debbie currently conducts riding clinics at the farm, administers and teaches the riding vacation program, supervises and teaches the local lesson program, and conducts dressage clinics.
 

Tack:		English and Western
Horses:		Thoroughbred, Warmblood and cross
Pace:		All paces | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop | Jumps |
Level:		(1 to 4 out of 5)    Any level Hacking: Low Inermediate+
Age:		Min 5
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 5 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 10

Minimum riding Level: Lesson: All Hack: B+

Level Rating: 1

Riding starts with an afternoon session on Day 1 and ends with a morning session of the last day. Any other schedule needs to be confirmed in advance.

Head instructor:
Deborah Renfroe was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon graduating from high school, Debbie attended Meredith manner School of Horsemanship in West Virginia. Originally entering school as a western major, it was the experience of Meredith manner that opened up the world of dressage for Debbie. Before settling on a career in dressage, Debbie gained experience showing and training horses in western riding and reining, hunter-jumper, and low levels of eventing.
The driving force in Debbie's equestrian career has always been to be an excellent instructor and a sympathetic and knowledgeable trainer. Meredith Manor gave her a good foundation in stable management, teaching and training. The last thirty years have been totally dedicated to continuing her education in order to fulfill that goal.
Debbie currently conducts riding clinics at the farm, administers and teaches the riding vacation program, supervises and teaches the local lesson program, and conducts dressage clinics.
 

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.